Happy Opening Day to all baseball enthusiasts!
It has been 148 days since the Texas Rangers secured their World Series victory. Now, as the 2024 season commences, all 30 Major League Baseball teams are gearing up to compete for the prestigious title.
Certain teams such as the Braves, Dodgers, and Yankees are well-prepared for deep playoff runs. On the other hand, teams like the Athletics and Red Sox may be looking towards the future for better outcomes.
Speaking of the Yankees, they are embarking on their 122nd season in Major League Baseball with the aim of clinching their 28th World Series title. General Manager Brian Cashman made significant moves during the offseason, bringing in impact players like Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, and Marcus Stroman to strengthen the team’s roster.
As the Yankees prepare to face off against the Houston Astros this weekend, their veteran radio play-by-play announcer, John Sterling, readies himself for his 36th year in the New York broadcast booth.
To celebrate John’s return to the microphone this season, let’s reminisce on some of the standout moments from his illustrious Yankees’ broadcast career.
1. “A Pop Foul…Back Here!”
While not amusing at the time, this moment has aged like fine wine. A foul ball deflected right in front of Sterling, striking him on the forehead. Undeterred, Sterling soldiered on without missing a beat, continuing to call the game as if nothing had occurred.
2. “Because Stanton Caught the Ball!”
In a surprising turn of events, Giancarlo Stanton made an unexpected catch, leaving both Sterling and his broadcasting partner, Suzyn Waldman, in disbelief. Waldman’s insightful commentary complemented Sterling’s play-by-play skills perfectly.
3. “Now, What Did I Do Wrong?”
Injecting some self-deprecating humor, Sterling hilariously puts his all into a home run call for Giancarlo Stanton, only to realize (somewhat belatedly) that the ball stayed in the park. His subsequent quip adds a touch of levity to the situation.
4. “IT IS GONE…But Caught!”
Amidst the excitement at Yankee Stadium, Sterling eagerly anticipated a potential game-tying home run against the Toronto Blue Jays. However, Raimel Tapia had different plans, leading to a moment of realization for Sterling as the ball was caught instead of clearing the fence.
5. “Unfortunately, That Was a Replay of the Homerun!”
Navigating the challenges of remote broadcasting during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sterling, like many broadcasters, had to rely on television feeds for game coverage. This reliance on replays occasionally caught him off guard, adding a humorous twist to his commentary.
In addition, here are a few intriguing reads related to the New York Yankees:
- “We Found the Ten Biggest Problems Facing the 2024 New York Yankees”
- “One Future MLB Star from Each Year of the Albany-Colonie Yankees”